Contentment—a word often used when we think about happiness and fulfillment. But what is contentment, and why is it important to us? Is it merely a fleeting emotion, or does it represent something deeper, something more profound?
One of this year’s theme words for me is contentment. My intention is to year to be content with what is in the moment and with what I have. I’m finding it is a work in progress and there are times of contentment and times of discontent. Especially when things aren’t going the way I want.
At its root, contentment is defined as a state of being satisfied and at peace with what one has or where one is in life. It's about finding fulfillment and joy in the present moment, rather than constantly seeking happiness in external sources. It is not striving and being on the go go go. Contentment is also not about complacency or resignation; rather, it's the balance between ambition and acceptance, desire and gratitude.
Contentment is deeper than happiness. It is intrinsic coming from within and tends to be more enduring. Happiness is often linked to external circumstances – things going your way, a promotion, travel, a new relationship, a material possession, or experience.
Contentment is a resilience skill and characteristic as well.
Components of Contentment
Gratitude: Contentment begins with gratitude. It's about recognizing and appreciating the abundance in our lives, the beauty of nature, blessing received, the love of family and friends, or the simple pleasures of everyday life. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, fostering a sense of contentment and fulfillment.
Click here to read more on benefits of gratitude.
Acceptance: Contentment involves accepting things as they are, rather striving for more or wishing things were different. This can be much easier than done. It’s also making peace with our circumstances and embracing the present moment, even if it's not exactly how we imagined it. Acceptance doesn't mean giving up on our goals or aspirations; rather, it's about finding peace and contentment along the journey.
Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness—being fully present in the moment is how we deepen our sense of contentment. When we're mindful, we're able to appreciate the richness of each moment, freeing it from judgment or attachment. Mindfulness allows us to savor life's experiences more fully and cultivate a greater sense of contentment and peace.
Simplicity: Contentment often thrives in simplicity. When we remove excess and focus on what truly matters we often find contentment. When we simplifying our lives—whether it's decluttering, scaling back, saying no more, or disconnecting from technology—we create space for the things that bring us true joy and fulfillment.
Connection: Finally, contentment is deeply intertwined with our relationships and connections with others. Strong social bonds and a sense of belonging are a part of cultivating contentment. Investing time and energy into nurturing our relationships, prioritizing meaningful connections, and practicing empathy and compassion can enrich our lives and deepen our sense of contentment. Click here to read more on how to cultivate connection
In our go go busy lives focused on things, status, doing we often lose sight of the simpler things of taking time to just be and rest in contentment. We can find contentment in simple mindfulness moments, appreciating what we have, embracing the present moment, and finding joy and fulfillment in the simple things.
I encourage you to seek moments to reflect and be content. I’m finding the more you practice this the more contentment you find.
How do you find contentment? I’d love to hear your thoughts and how you find it.
Here’s to being content with what is, in each moment.
Latest client wins – Burnout is lessened. “Setting boundaries has really improved my life!”, and another client received a promotion and raise and a stellar performance review. I love supporting my clients in their wins and forward movement.
I have space for 1 client in April. If you or someone you know would like support in finding life balance please contact me. Let’s have a conversation to see how I can be of support.
Follow me on social media for insightful questions, tips, and motivational quotes.
Peace, and blessings,
Teresa – Practicing being content in every moment!
Teresa Q. Bitner, M.Ed., PMP, PCC - Resiliency, Change and Loss Coach
Partnering with those who have been knocked down by life and want to build resiliency and move forward and live a bold life.
[email protected]
www.boldfulfilledlifecoach.com
Author of:
· Soul Love: How A Dog Taught Me to Breathe Again
· The First Days: Coping with Life after Loss (updated 2nd edition)
· Explorations into the Being and Doing of Coaching: A collection of voices, insights, and wisdom from Austin area coaches
One of this year’s theme words for me is contentment. My intention is to year to be content with what is in the moment and with what I have. I’m finding it is a work in progress and there are times of contentment and times of discontent. Especially when things aren’t going the way I want.
At its root, contentment is defined as a state of being satisfied and at peace with what one has or where one is in life. It's about finding fulfillment and joy in the present moment, rather than constantly seeking happiness in external sources. It is not striving and being on the go go go. Contentment is also not about complacency or resignation; rather, it's the balance between ambition and acceptance, desire and gratitude.
Contentment is deeper than happiness. It is intrinsic coming from within and tends to be more enduring. Happiness is often linked to external circumstances – things going your way, a promotion, travel, a new relationship, a material possession, or experience.
Contentment is a resilience skill and characteristic as well.
Components of Contentment
Gratitude: Contentment begins with gratitude. It's about recognizing and appreciating the abundance in our lives, the beauty of nature, blessing received, the love of family and friends, or the simple pleasures of everyday life. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, fostering a sense of contentment and fulfillment.
Click here to read more on benefits of gratitude.
Acceptance: Contentment involves accepting things as they are, rather striving for more or wishing things were different. This can be much easier than done. It’s also making peace with our circumstances and embracing the present moment, even if it's not exactly how we imagined it. Acceptance doesn't mean giving up on our goals or aspirations; rather, it's about finding peace and contentment along the journey.
Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness—being fully present in the moment is how we deepen our sense of contentment. When we're mindful, we're able to appreciate the richness of each moment, freeing it from judgment or attachment. Mindfulness allows us to savor life's experiences more fully and cultivate a greater sense of contentment and peace.
Simplicity: Contentment often thrives in simplicity. When we remove excess and focus on what truly matters we often find contentment. When we simplifying our lives—whether it's decluttering, scaling back, saying no more, or disconnecting from technology—we create space for the things that bring us true joy and fulfillment.
Connection: Finally, contentment is deeply intertwined with our relationships and connections with others. Strong social bonds and a sense of belonging are a part of cultivating contentment. Investing time and energy into nurturing our relationships, prioritizing meaningful connections, and practicing empathy and compassion can enrich our lives and deepen our sense of contentment. Click here to read more on how to cultivate connection
In our go go busy lives focused on things, status, doing we often lose sight of the simpler things of taking time to just be and rest in contentment. We can find contentment in simple mindfulness moments, appreciating what we have, embracing the present moment, and finding joy and fulfillment in the simple things.
I encourage you to seek moments to reflect and be content. I’m finding the more you practice this the more contentment you find.
How do you find contentment? I’d love to hear your thoughts and how you find it.
Here’s to being content with what is, in each moment.
Latest client wins – Burnout is lessened. “Setting boundaries has really improved my life!”, and another client received a promotion and raise and a stellar performance review. I love supporting my clients in their wins and forward movement.
I have space for 1 client in April. If you or someone you know would like support in finding life balance please contact me. Let’s have a conversation to see how I can be of support.
Follow me on social media for insightful questions, tips, and motivational quotes.
Peace, and blessings,
Teresa – Practicing being content in every moment!
Teresa Q. Bitner, M.Ed., PMP, PCC - Resiliency, Change and Loss Coach
Partnering with those who have been knocked down by life and want to build resiliency and move forward and live a bold life.
[email protected]
www.boldfulfilledlifecoach.com
Author of:
· Soul Love: How A Dog Taught Me to Breathe Again
· The First Days: Coping with Life after Loss (updated 2nd edition)
· Explorations into the Being and Doing of Coaching: A collection of voices, insights, and wisdom from Austin area coaches
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